There have been a lot of debates surrounding the retirement of former India skipper MS Dhoni after the ICC World Cup 2019. While the cricketer himself has not made anything clear as of now, the selectors were also caught off-guard while answering the question. Recently, veteran Bengal cricketer Manoj Tiwary took a jibe at those speculations citing that team India’s is no one’s personal property.

The rumours were on an all-time high after India’s shocking exit from the ICC World Cup 2019. MS Dhoni struggled to get going in the death overs leading to the former cricketers including Sachin Tendulkar question his intent. He had a strike rate of 93.39 in this World Cup but has eaten up a lot of balls which have put the other batsmen under pressure. Amidst all the speculations, the veteran cricketer made himself unavailable for the West Indies series and opted for a two-month stint with the army.

While some feels, Dhoni can retire during home series against South Africa, others say that Virat Kohli has personally requested the legendary cricketer to continue till the 2020 World Cup. Discarded India cricketer Manoj Tiwary feels the time is up for MS Dhoni and the selectors need to make the tough call now. He also said that the selection panel needs to man up and take the courageous call now.

“Dhoni has done a lot for our country. He has made a lot of contributions to this team. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar said that it’s time for Dhoni to side-line himself, he has played a lot. Though Virat Kohli has said that the team needs Dhoni, I feel that the selectors need to take a tough call. It’s time to show courage and it’s necessary to take the step,” Tiwary told the Indian Express in an interview.

Furthermore, Manoj Tiwary also feels that MS Dhoni has not been consistent in recent times and that the selectors are persisting with him based on past performances. The Bengal skipper also said that Team India is not someone’s personal property and the selectors should pick the best XI to represent the country.

“Of late, Dhoni’s performance has significantly gone down. I wouldn’t have said this had it been only for an innings or two. I’m not sure if the selectors are giving Dhoni chances based on the past. There are a number of talented cricketers in our country and they should get chances. The Indian team isn’t anyone’s personal property. It’s a team of the nation and that needs to be kept in mind,” Tiwary concluded.

I am an accountant by qualification, my parents thought their obedient son would study further to become a CA, but I had other things in mind. An ardent Cricket fan is following his passion and making a living watching and working around his favorite sport.